Patient Exposure from Radiologic and Nuclear Medicine Procedures in the United States: Procedure Volume and Effective Dose for the Period 2006-2016.

Background Comprehensive assessments of the frequency and associated doses from radiologic and nuclear medicine procedures are rarely conducted. The use of these procedures and the population-based radiation dose increased remarkably from 1980 to 2006. Purpose To determine the change in per capita radiation exposure in the United States from 2006 to 2016. Materials and Methods The U.S. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements conducted a retrospective assessment for 2016 and compared the results to previously published data for the year 2006. Effective dose values for procedures were obtained from the literature, and frequency data were obtained from commercial, governmental, and professional society data. Results In the United States in 2006, an estimated 377 million diagnostic and interventional radiologic examinations were performed. This value remained essentially the same for 2016 even though the U.S. population had increased by about 24 million people. The number of CT scans performed increased from 67 million to 84 million, but the number of other procedures (eg, diagnostic fluoroscopy) and nuclear medicine procedures decreased from 17 million to 13.5 million. The number of dental radiographic and dental CT examinations performed was estimated to be about 320 million in 2016. Using the tissue-weighting factors from Publication 60 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the U.S. annual individual (per capita) effective dose from diagnostic and interventional medical procedures was estimated to have been 2.9 mSv in 2006 and 2.3 mSv in 2016, with the collective doses being 885 000 and 755 000 person-sievert, respectively. Conclusion The trend from 1980 to 2006 of increasing dose from medical radiation has reversed. Estimated 2016 total collective effective dose and radiation dose per capita dose are lower than in 2006. © RSNA, 2020 See also the editorial by Einstein in this issue.

Osteomyelitis of the Thumb in a 21-Year-Old Chiropractic Patient: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe the presentation of a patient with osteomyelitis of the thumb. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 21-year-old man presented with painful, red, and edematous thumb pain over the anterior and posterior surface for a duration of 4 days. The patient reported no trauma or recent operation. The patient was treated conservatively for capsulitis. The patient's symptoms worsened within 2 days, and he was referred for additional imaging consisting of a bone scan. The bone scan showed increased uptake, resulting in a change of diagnosis to suspected osteomyelitis. The patient was referred to a medical doctor for care that consisted of antibiotics and physiotherapy. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Despite treatment, the patient had some mild permanent damage to the range of motion of the joint and soft tissue volume loss. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the importance of considering osteomyelitis as a differential diagnosis. Amputation was avoided for this patient because of the early recognition and referral.

High-resolution ultrasonography and shear-wave sonoelastography of a cystic radial nerve Schwannoma.

Peripheral nerve tumors are often evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although there are many advantages offered with high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS). This case report emphasizes the value of HRUS in the diagnosis and management of a patient with a cystic radial nerve Schwannoma. In addition, information on tumor stiffness, obtained with shear-wave sonoelastography (SWE), is presented.

Evaluation of three different methods of distance learning for postgraduate diagnostic imaging education: A pilot study.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived effectiveness and learning potential of 3 Web-based educational methods in a postgraduate radiology setting. Methods : Three chiropractic radiology faculty from diverse geographic locations led mini-courses using asynchronous discussion boards, synchronous Web conferencing, and asynchronous voice-over case presentations formatted for Web viewing. At the conclusion of each course, participants filled out a 14-question survey (using a 5-point Likert scale) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of each method in achieving specified course objectives and goals and their satisfaction when considering the learning potential of each method. The mean, standard deviation, and percentage agreements were tabulated. Results : Twenty, 15, and 10 participants completed the discussion board, Web conferencing, and case presentation surveys, respectively. All educational methods demonstrated a high level of agreement regarding the course objective (total mean rating >4.1). The case presentations had the highest overall rating for achieving the course goals; however, all but one method still had total mean ratings >4.0 and overall agreement levels of 70%-100%. The strongest potential for interactive learning was found with Web conferencing and discussion boards, while case presentations rated very low in this regard. Conclusions : The perceived effectiveness in achieving the course objective and goals was high for each method. Residency-based distance education may be a beneficial adjunct to current methods of training, allowing for international collaboration. When considering all aspects tested, there does not appear to be a clear advantage to any one method. Utilizing various methods may be most appropriate.

Bilateral acrometastasis secondary to breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: One out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 in 28 will succumb to the disease. Skeletal metastasis occurs in 16% to 73% of breast cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: To present a comprehensive look at the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for skeletal metastasis secondary to breast carcinoma by discussing the case of an 80-year-old female patient with bilateral distal lower extremity metastasis following a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient had severe pain in both lower extremities, which caused her to have difficulty when ambulating. She also complained of fatigue and anorexia, with an 8-lb weight loss. Chest examination revealed widespread rales without change. Her left calcaneus was tender to palpation and both feet and ankles were hot and swollen. Laboratory CA 27.29 values were 1131 on October 16, 2001, which was elevated compared with the 454 value obtained previously. Plain films of the lower extremities revealed destructive lesions of the distal left and right tibia and fibula with involvement of the left calcaneus. These findings were most consistent with metastasis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient refused further care and sought a hospice referral. CONCLUSION: There is no cure for acrometastasis and prognosis is poor. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, extended survival, and maintaining quality of life. Clinicians should consider metastasis in a patient with distal lower extremity osteolytic lesions with a previous history of breast malignancy.